Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball team advanced to the second round of the Horizon League Championship after a narrow 85-84 victory over Oakland on Wednesday night in Rochester, Michigan. The Norse maintained their lead throughout the second half, despite a late surge from the Golden Grizzlies.
The game took place at OU Credit Union O’Rena. With this win, Northern Kentucky improved its record to 19-13 overall and 10-10 in conference play. Oakland finished its season at 16-16 overall and 12-8 in the Horizon League.
Northern Kentucky shot 47.5 percent from the field and made 32.1 percent of their three-point attempts. The team converted 18 of their 30 free throws. On defense, they held Oakland to a shooting percentage of 41.9 percent from the floor, though Oakland made 13 out of 34 shots from beyond the arc and went nine for twelve at the free throw line.
The Norse forced nine turnovers while committing eight themselves and outscored Oakland by seven points off turnovers. Despite losing the rebounding battle—Oakland collected 43 rebounds compared to Northern Kentucky’s 40—the Norse managed to hold on for the win even as they allowed their opponents to grab fifteen offensive boards.
Donovan Oday led Northern Kentucky with nineteen points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block. LJ Wells contributed eighteen points along with eleven rebounds; he also recorded four assists, two blocks, and one steal while shooting seven for eleven from the field. Kael Robinson added fourteen points with four rebounds and three blocks. Dan Gherezgher finished with seventeen points on five-of-eleven shooting alongside two rebounds and two assists. Tae Dozier rounded out double-digit scorers with ten points plus four rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Northern Kentucky will move on to face #5 Green Bay in Indianapolis for Sunday’s second-round matchup at 3:30 PM.
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